D-Link DIR 895 Review: Still Worth It in 2024

Introduction

Imagine this: you’re mid-boss battle, fingers flying, heart pounding, and… BAM! Lag. The dreaded enemy strikes, leaving you staring at a pixelated mess. Or maybe you’re streaming that long-awaited movie night, only to be met with endless buffering and choppy visuals. Sound familiar? If your Wi-Fi router is more of a foe than a friend, fear not! The DLink DIR 895 might just be your hero.

A Deep Dive into the DLink DIR 895

The DLink DIR 895 isn’t your average router. It’s a statement piece, a technological sculpture that demands attention. With its sleek, angular design and eight imposing antennas, it wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi movie set. But don’t let its looks fool you – this beauty is a beast when it comes to performance.

• Standing tall at 16.44 inches, the DIR-895 isn’t exactly small, but its size is justified by its powerful internals. A 1.4GHz dual-core processor and 256MB of RAM ensure smooth sailing, even when your household is juggling multiple devices and demanding tasks.
• Connectivity options abound on the back: a single gigabit WAN port for your internet connection, four gigabit LAN ports for wired devices, and even two USB ports (one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0) for external storage or printers. Reset and WPS buttons, along with a power switch, complete the back panel layout.
• The front boasts a line of LED indicators, keeping you informed about the router’s status: internet connectivity, USB activity, power, and more. It’s a subtle touch, but it adds a layer of sophistication to the overall design.

But the real magic happens on the inside. The DIR 895 boasts tri-band Wi-Fi technology, utilizing two 5GHz bands and one 2.4GHz band to deliver a combined AC5300 speed. This translates to reasonable wireless speeds, perfect for streaming 4K content, online gaming, and downloading large files without a hitch.

Smart Connect: Your Wi-Fi’s Controller

Imagine this: you’re juggling a Zoom call, your teenager is streaming their favorite show, and your partner is downloading a massive game. Sounds like a recipe for Wi-Fi chaos, right? Not with the D-Link DIR-895’s Smart Connect feature.

Think of Smart Connect as your Wi-Fi’s intelligent traffic controller. It acts like a mind-reading genie, understanding the needs of each device on your network and magically directing them to the optimal Wi-Fi band.

• Optimal speed: Faster devices like laptops and smartphones enjoy the lightning-fast 5GHz band, while older devices or those needing broader coverage benefit from the 2.4GHz band.
• Reduced congestion: No more wireless clients fighting for the same frequency space. Smart-Connect distributes devices intelligently, preventing interference and lag.
• Seamless transitions: As you move around your home, your device automatically switches bands without you even noticing, ensuring uninterrupted streaming and downloads.

Think of Smart Connect as your Wi-Fi’s personal wifi controller. It pairs your devices with the perfect band, ensuring everyone gets the bandwidth they deserve. So, sit back, relax, and let Smart Connect take care of the rest, leaving you free to enjoy a hassle-free, optimized online experience.

DLink DIR-895’s Smart Beam

Imagine your Wi-Fi signal like a traditional light bulb in your living room. It shines equally in all directions, even reaching the empty corners while the family huddles in the center, vying for the brightest light. That’s where the DLink DIR-895’s Smart Beam comes in. It transforms your Wi-Fi from a bumbling bulb into a focused spotlight.

Think of Smart Beam as a technology that analyzes where your devices are located. Instead of blindly flooding the room with light, it directs the Wi-Fi signal like a concentrated beam, prioritizing the areas where your devices are actively using the internet. This means stronger, more reliable connections for your laptop in the corner, uninterrupted streaming for your tablet on the couch, and lag-free gaming for the console in the back room – all without wasting signal on empty spaces. ( Known as Beamforming Technology)

The DIR-895’s Management and Reporting Toolbox

The DLink DIR-895 isn’t just a powerful Wi-Fi warrior; it’s also a command center for your home network. With its suite of management and reporting features, you can easily monitor, control, and optimize your network like a pro.

• Remote Router Management: Forget physically fiddling with settings. With the intuitive web interface and mobile app, you can manage your router from anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you can check network status, adjust settings, and troubleshoot issues with ease.
• Bandwidth in the Spotlight: Ever wondered who’s hogging all the bandwidth? The D-Link DIR 895 gives you a real-time view of your current upload and download speeds, allowing you to identify bandwidth-hungry devices or applications. This valuable insight helps you optimize your network usage and prioritize traffic for a smoother online experience for everyone.
• Know Your Network Neighbors: No more mystery devices lurking on your network. The D-Link DIR-895 provides a detailed list of all connected devices, complete with information like device name, IP address, and connection status. This transparency helps you identify unauthorized devices and maintain a secure network environment.
• Website Transparency: Curious about where your family (or roommates) are venturing online? view visited websites per client. This valuable insight provides a window into online activity, helping you manage internet usage and make informed decisions about online safety.
• Network Access: Need to temporarily restrict a device’s internet access? With a few clicks, you can block or unblock any device on your network, giving you granular control over internet access and setting healthy boundaries.

Fortress of Security: Shields Your Digital World

While the DLink DIR-895 boasts impressive speeds and coverage, its true strength extends beyond performance. It becomes a fortress of security, safeguarding your connected devices and digital life with a suite of advanced features:

• Firewall: Think of the firewall as a vigilant guard, inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic. It blocks malicious attempts and suspicious activity, keeping your network safe from unwanted intrusions.
• Parental Controls: Worried about your kids’ online exposure? Parental controls allow you to create individual profiles, set time limits, and filter inappropriate content for each device. This empowers you to foster responsible internet use and create a safe online environment for your family.

These features, combined with the VPN tunneling, WPA2 encryption and guest network capabilities, create a comprehensive security shield and empowers you to enjoy the internet with peace of mind, knowing your devices and data are protected.

Conclusion

It’s a champion for tech lovers and large families, earning a score 8 out of 10. However, its price tag and size might leave budget-conscious buyers wanting. If affordability is key, other options exist. But for unmatched power, style, and future-proofing, the DIR 895 is a worthy contender for your Wi-Fi throne, just be prepared for a royal price.